The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission determined Monday that Medina Spirit had betamethasone in his blood, and is now disqualified from last year's race.
The 3-year-old colt, whose Derby win is under dispute, died suddenly from what appears to have been a cardiac event, said an on-site veterinary team at Southern California's Santa Anita racetrack.
Medina Spirit tested positive for a type of banned steroid known as betamethasone after winning the legendary race on May 1. The same steroid was found in a second test.
After previously accusing critics of "cancel culture," trainer Bob Baffert admitted Tuesday that the horse had been given an ointment containing the offending drug in the days leading up to the Derby.
